Algeria Football– The Algerian Football Federation (FAF), led by Walid Sadi, is intensifying its efforts to strengthen the national team with new talents. Among the priority targets are Rayan Cherki, playmaker for Olympique Lyonnais, and Maghnes Akliouche, young prospect for AS Monaco. These two players, who are currently playing with the France Espoirs team, are expected to join the ranks of the Fennecs in the future.
In the past, the FAF has managed to integrate several dual nationals who have worn the jerseys of other youth selections, such as Amine Gouiri, Badredine Bouanani, Houssem Aouar, and Ibrahim Maza. Amine Chiakha, former Danish U21 international, also joined Algeria recently, testifying to the success of this recruitment strategy.
According to the Algerian channel El Heddaf TV, Walid Sadi and coach Vladimir Petkovic will travel to France in the coming days to meet Cherki and Akliouche. The objective is to clarify their intentions and convince them to take the necessary steps to change their sporting nationality before the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers next March.
Petkovic was clear: he does not want to wait indefinitely. If both players have not made a final decision by the start of the playoffs, their case will be permanently closed.
To represent Algeria, Cherki and Akliouche will have to initiate an administrative procedure with FIFA in order to change their sporting nationality, in accordance with the rules in force.
Rayan Cherki, 21, recently impressed in friendly matches with the French Espoirs against Germany and Italy, where he scored a goal and provided an assist. For his part, Maghnes Akliouche, 22, did not take part in these meetings due to a slight injury.
Past discussions had revealed that Akliouche was favorable to the idea of representing Algeria, but contacts have been suspended in recent months. On the other hand, the Cherki file seems more complex due to media pressure in France, with some hoping that he will be called up by Didier Deschamps for the France A team.
The next meeting between Sadi, Petkovic, and the two players will be decisive. The FAF hopes to finalize these files quickly to anticipate possible French maneuvers. With an ambitious project and promising international prospects, Algeria hopes to convince Cherki and Akliouche that their future lies in the green jersey.
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